06 March,2009 11:13 AM IST | | A Correspondent
From ad men to social activists, everyone is glad that the Mhatma's memorabilia is returning to Indiau00a0u00a0
No single individual should have purchased the items. I can't understand the loyalty of the government. Do they have no national pride? These items should have been purchased and placed on display in the Parliament House for all to see. It should have been a symbol of secularism for all to see and not some part of an individual's private display case.
Gerson da Cunha, convenor, AGNI
It is a happy moment for the country, but one has to wonder how the items got away in the first place. The person who sold the goods had to be someone close to Gandhi. And so while it's a relief that the items are back, the entire episode betrays our lack of consideration for history, which is also evident in the dismal state of our museums and lack of interest in heritage in Mumbai.
It is a good thing, but the memorabilia need to be displayed to everyone.u00a0 His chasma is the last important symbol of Gandhi. It is time that Gandhi is presented in a fresh way for what he really is rather than as old man to the new generation. Gandhian organisations need to get more proactive and reach out to the youth. Youngsters these days wear Che Guerra on their T-shirts and consider him a rockstar for his ideas in the Cuban revolution. Gandhi is a rockstar in the similar way. We should see youngsters wearing t-shirts of him as well. Don't represent him to youngsters the way you interpret him, let the youngsters interpret for themselves
It is great news that Gandhi's belongings are returning back to India where they rightfully belong. Vijay Mallaya has done a great thing, however, he must ensure that these articles are preserved well. Since they are a part of Indian heritage he must share it with everyone. It would be excellent if he could come to an understanding with the Indian government and keep the items in a museum.
I'm glad that Gandhiji's things are coming back to India. I would be very happy to see his spectacles and other things that we've grown up associating him with. These things should be kept in a national institute so that visitors can draw inspiration from the same.
I don't think that it's a problem that a businessman bought the items. I'm just happy that an Indian bought them and if Mallya can afford it for India then why not?
It's the best piece of news I've heard today. Mallya is popular for his love for beautiful and rich items, but this shows his interest towards our culture as well. He's really put his money in the right place to conserve the pride of India. I'd give him a big hug if I met him now.
I'm pretty sure that Mallya's not going to lock up the items in a cupboard and throw the key away. Seeing the way he's collecting items, I'm sure a museum is on the cards.
